I decided to write this post because last time I saw (once again in my life) Michael Jackson’s video clip, “Smooth Criminal.” When I saw it, I confirmed everything which I previously learned regarding photography.
It was evident that when I first saw this clip when I was a kid, I focused only on Michael. Naturally, every one of us did it. While watching “Smooth Criminal,” we rather do not pay attention to the background. We instead focus on the foreground, with Michael as a leading star. It is Michael, who is a central character in this song.
Nevertheless, now I noticed that tangential dancers who appear on the set also did their tremendous and spectacular job. I imagined watching the “Smooth Criminal” video clip without Michael. Yes, you can tell that I go crazy, but I believe that this music video would still be magic, even without Michael Jackson!
I encourage you, my Dear Friend, to open another tab in your web browser and play this movie clip. The shorter version (which lasts approximately four minutes) is good enough.
I advise you to focus on observing the dancers in the background. You will undoubtedly notice that their every move is not made accidentally. It was directed with artistic precision. It is proof that taking care of what we see not only in the foreground is essential for the artwork. While taking photographs, we should always remember to pay attention to the background. Also, we should not forget that there is one thing in photography, which is critical regarding taking a good picture.
The fewer objects you add to your background, the better results you should gain.
I honestly advise you to reduce as many things from the image’s background as possible. It is another difference between creating photos and paintings. In photography, the less you put in your frames, the better. Minimalism is one of the directions of how we can follow during our artistic journey.
In conclusion, I want to stress out that we can take inspiration from a lot of excellent artworks. Michael Jackson’s clips are not the exception. But, before you try to add some incentives from other artworks, think twice before you do that. If you still do not know what to do after thinking twice, follow your intuition. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
